New Shopping Trend: Private Home Clothing Swaps

We're seeing a trend in shopping: people don't want to do it alone or outside. Sure ladies will always love getting out to the vintage boutiques, Goodwills, consignment shops, outlet malls and soon fashion trucks, but some are pouring the bubbly, calling their friends, and hosting home swap and shop parties. TV news assignment Editor Elisha Pappacoda threw one recently. We had a chance to ask her how it went and what inspired her to do it. 

Describe your clothing party.

I called my party Elisha’s BIG closet cleanout and was selling, swapping and giving away enough clothes and shoes to fill a small boutique. We drank mimosas, ate sushi and overindulged in desserts. I also invited friends to bring their wares for purchase or trade and we had everything from bellydance costumes to candles to handmade jewelry and hair accessories. 

Orlando's First Fashion Truck

Where did you come up with the idea?

 

I was inspired in part by Dana’s OPP Swap and Shop events and my new year’s resolution to purge. Also, throwing your own party beats lugging your stuff to a flea market or dragging it all outside on a hot day for a yard sale then hoping people actually stop and buy something. Plus, I’m kind of attached to my things and like the idea of my friends getting good use out of them.

What did people enjoy about it?

The best thing about a shopping party is that it combines two of my favorite things: shopping and party. Great deals on “new to you” swag in a casual party setting makes for a perfectly girly get together. It’s also a chance to network and help friends with small businesses sell their products.

Is it better than shopping in stores? Worse? Same?

Shopping is one of my favorite pastimes, but a shopping party is an actual event. Not only do you have the combination of food, drinks and friends, but you also have an opportunity to find unique items at better prices than found in stores. Where else can you buy a pair of DKNY jeans new with tag for just $5, straight out of the ‘80s earrings and a consigned bellydance bra and belt all in one place? Definitely not at the mall.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to throw their own clothing party?

Plan in advance and get the word out on Facebook and Twitter. Invite friends to bring items to swap and if you’re a bit OCD like myself, make sure you have enough space and a good idea of where you’d like everything set up. Provide wine but ask guests to bring a snack so you don’t cut too much into your profits.

Where do you see private clothing parties growing/expanding?

I think anyone who attends one of these parties would be inclined to host their own before dumping perfectly good items simply because they don’t use them anymore. A sale and swap party is a convenient way to unload a lot of items at once for the seller, and a place to get great bargains for buyers. And with the swap aspect you can shop even if you don't have any money. Plus, it’s just another great excuse to have a party.